West Point's Marcus Murphy is the Dandy Dozen who dominated from the start of his career

West Point's Marcus Murphy is a dynamic athlete who has been a two-year star already for the 5A state champions. Annie Costabile and Hugh Kellenberger talk about why he is on the Dandy Dozen, and what Mississippi State can expect out of him in 2018.
Annie Costabile and Hugh Kellenberger

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West Point's Marcus Murphy runs during the 5A state championship game last season.(Photo: CHRIS TODD / FOR THE CLARION-LEDGER)Buy Photo

There was never a question of what Marcus Murphy would amount to. From the moment he joined the West Point program coach Chris Chambless knew he fit right in.

"He never really struggled," Chambless said.

Most athletes in the West Point program come up to varsity following their ninth grade season accustomed to playing ninth grade talent and needing a period of transition — but not Murphy. He was ready from day 1 to make big time plays for a program with a history of such exploits.

It's part of the reason why now, as a senior, Murphy is the latest member of The Clarion-Ledger Dandy Dozen.

Murphy was never intimidated by his older teammates and the high-level talent against which he was competing. His stats showed it. He was a starter in his sophomore season and finished with more than 2,000 total yards. He had 1,615 yards rushing, 770 passing, 41 receiving and 18 touchdowns.

Murphy continued his dominance in his junior season, finishing with 1,756 yards rushing, 97 passing, 137 receiving and 27 total touchdowns. He helped lead his team to a 14-1 record and a Class 5A state championship.

"I love him with the ball in his hands," Chambless said.

It's easy to see why. Watching 30 seconds of his film is enough to reveal a fearless kid breaking tackles with ease to complete 90-yard touchdown runs. From the moment he catches the ball there's only one thing on his mind — scoring.

Well, that, and what Chambless will say if he gets caught.

"Oh, it'd be on if I ever got caught," Murphy said.

That fearless mentality and natural speed and athleticism have been with Murphy since he was a young boy. His father got him involved in karate and boxing at a young age, teaching him backing down was never an option.

It's that lesson, along with the work ethic his parents instilled in him, that he says has led him to his success on the football field.

Murphy was 7-years-old the first time he picked up a football. His mother didn't want him playing the game. His father thought he was meant for it, but his aunt is the one who actually signed him up.

"I used to run a lot when I was younger," Murphy said. "I'm pumped now every time I'm running the ball."

He's great with the ball in his hands, but that's not all he can do. That, Chambless and opposing coaches say, is what makes him so difficult to game plan for.

At 6-foot-1 and 180 pounds, Murphy is currently ranked as a three-star prospect and the No. 6 overall player in Mississippi's 2018 class by 247Sports. Murphy is committed to Mississippi State and has offers from 12 other Division I programs.

He's unlike any other 2018 recruit for the Bulldogs in that his versatility on the field at the high school level could allow him to play multiple positions in college. Sources close to the program envision Murphy fitting best at safety.

He is the fifth player from the West Point program to be named to the Dandy Dozen; running back Aeris Williams was the most recent selection, in 2013.

Now preparing for his senior season, he has two goals, one for his team and one for himself.

"I want to accomplish 15-0," Murphy said. "That's never happened at West Point. For myself, I want to graduate high school with at least a 3.8 GPA. That's what I want."